We are about to begin the “Autumn season” and no doubt you, as many do, find this to be a very beautiful and fulfilling time of the year. We enjoy the color, sun and cooler temperatures.
As we approach the Feasts of All Saints and All Souls in the onset of November, we are reminded of the changing face and passing of our human condition. As we remember all our departed loved ones we must remember that we too, will follow the way of all living things. We , too, will die.
As we remember, let us also be aware that we have a real communion with all the Blessed in heaven. In Christ we are joined with all the saints and all who have gone before us. As children of our heavenly Father, as brothers and sisters with Christ Jesus we are not faced with some dead end. “For all who are faithful life is changed and not merely ended” we sing in the Mass of Christian Burial and Resurrection. “When our earthly body dies, in death we gain an everlasting dwelling place in heaven”….words of the Preface of the Mass.
I am writing all this to remind you that we need to encourage our family members, spiritually, when they face a terminal or serious illness—denial or avoidance, sometimes motivated by fear, rarely serves any good. Avoidance or fear can deny them of special graces and true peace.
It is important to speak with your pastor or parish staff member in order to arrange a prayerful celebration of the Sacrament of the Sick. This is most helpful and should be
done when the person is alert and conscious and may receive the spiritual peace, grace and comfort which is offered in the Sacrament. Viaticum and Anointing at the last moment or hours before death may no longer be possible because of our
present shortage of priests. A priest may not be available or able to accommodate with spiritual help at the final hours before death. It is far more desirable and practical today to arrange earlier for the Sacrament of the Sick. Family members and caring friends can assist their loved one with prayers and devotions in these last moments should no priest be available.
Holy Scripture reminds us “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful ones.” Because of our union with Christ, our passage from this life can be filled with hope, love, peace and most of all joyous expectation of our lasting home in glory.
If we accept our dying in this manner, we will live each new day and all our days now with greater purpose, and joyfulhearts.
Sincerely,
Father Ralph Thomas
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